Ancy

Jeff wipes some sweat from his brow and leans against the wall, letting out a long sigh. He was glad he'd been able to help, but it had done nothing for his nerves. But Mick was okay...and that's what mattered most.

Letting Angel know he'd be in his own bunk, he wanders outside into the cold night air and just stops, staring up at the stars. God, what is your plan... where are you in all this... where are you leading us...

Jeff's breath comes out as steam as it hits the air, and he continues his slow walk to the bunk house. Change was in the wind. From which direction he came, he couldn't be sure. But it was there...somewhere.


Several hours pass before Mick groggily opens his eyes a little, trying to focus on something in the dimly-lit room. Where was he? Why was he so sore? It hurt to breathe.

He moves his hand a little, and realizes that another hand was lying in his own. Turning his head, he squints, seeing Rosetta's face. He licks his dry lips, confused, and then it all comes back to him. He'd taken a spill. Cyclone. He'd gotten hurt and... talking to Angel was the last thing he could clearly recall. Apparently he was still alive...that was a good thing. He hurt like the dickens, but if Angel wasn't in here now, that must be a good sign.

Mick tightens his grip to give Rosetta's hand a squeeze. "Guess you got me around a little longer, eh?" His voice is low and hoarse, but he manages a crooked grin. "I love you."


Jason has his key ready to turn in his truck's ignition, when he stops and grins.

Follow me to my place. I got some junk food and a stack of movies. I won't be able to sleep for a while yet anyway.

He starts his truck and pulls out of the TJY parking lot, knowing that Katie would be close behind.

And you can bring that black and white fuzzball. Trooper won't mind.


Carson sits on the edge of the restaurant booth, counting the few dollar bills he had left in his pocket. He gives a sigh and slouches. He needed to get a car... he needed to get his own place... he needed to get out from under these stupid insurance bills that he was still paying. But there was just no way he could do it right now. He was trying to save up, but with his morning detours, that wasn't working out so great either. He knew he needed to give that up...but...he just...couldn't.

Shaking his head, he sets his cash on the table and stretches out, trying to get some sleep after an evening with Dani and Jess. One day...one day he would have a handle on his life. One day...


Though the future is often feared, all must face it. Though we try to hold off the inevitable, it will come, quietly or roaring. But it will come.


Bret breathes in a lung full of fresh air. It was gray and cold out, but to him, the day was beautiful. He skips down the courthouse steps, meeting Charlotte at the bottom. Grabbing her into a hug, he swings her around before planting a kiss on her lips. "Your husband may have a record, but he's not going to be behind bars."

A smile spreads on his face, recalling the judge's words in the courtroom. He was free...and the real crooks were going to prison. "And...."

Bret spins around, seeing Angelica coming down the steps too. "...I owe it all to you. Thank you...I never would have made it in there without you, and... I don't know how I can ever repay you."

He slings an arm around Charlotte's shoulders, a huge burden feeling as though it's been lifted. His eyes remain on Angelica though. "We, um... kinda got off on the wrong foot, I know... and going through this case the last couple weeks hasn't helped things much. I...I'm honored that you're my sister-in-law, and I can only hope that me marrying your sister isn't something that a rift will be started over."


"What do you mean, you don't know?" Jason stands in Susanne's office, looking at her with a gaze of surprise and irritation. "He never just leaves without saying anything."

"I told you!" Susanne throws up her arms. "I haven't seen Reese since two days ago. He told me he was leaving the office, and that was it."

"Well I asked Wyatt and he doesn't even know!"

"I'm sorry! What do you want me to do?!"

Jason sighs and rubs his eyes. "Nothing...I'm sorry. Just...let me know if he calls." He heaves a sigh and aims back for his office.

What is going on?! Reese never takes off like this. Wyatt said his dad told him he was simply taking a couple days off. But he's left town. Something is strange. I don't like it...not one bit.

Jason gets to his office and shuts his door a little harder than necessary. Flopping down in his chair, he stares at the mess on his desk. Half of it was legit work, the other half was work he was doing on looking for Scott. He and Katie had found a few things... combined with some information from Luke during the last week, they had kind of a starting place. Though they were growing weary. Nothing substantial was showing up. And no more clues had been offered.

He glances to the clock. Lunchtime. He was tempted to skip. But with his emotions rising, he knew it would be dangerous to miss a meal.

Jason pulls out a desk drawer to see a can of soup and half a bag of chips. Nothing he really wanted.

Pizza. I want pizza. And I want to get away from here. Forever. But for an hour will have to do. You coming with me, or are you going to let me be miserable at Mom and Pop's alone?


Mick sits up in bed, staring at the droning tv in the bedroom. At least today he didn't have to be at Angel's anymore, but not being able to work, and being stuck in bed was driving him bananas. Hearing BJ at the other end of the house made him wish he could get up and play with him. Hearing the horses outside made him wish he could get out of here and go do something productive. But it had only been a week... Another three days in bed, then another two weeks after that before he could start any minimal work.

He sighs, and winces a little. This tv show was stupid. But nothing else was on. If only he had something to keep his brain busy if he couldn't be up and about.